Rating the top beatdowns of the WWE Royal Rumble 2016

Excellent back-and-forthAmong the many WWE formulae that have stood the test of time, few are as reliable as the plain old overkill of violence. The patented beatdown of the WWE, be it face-to-face, sneak attack or a gang-up, though divested vis-a-vis the previous eras, still makes for good viewing. Not just because fans vicariously live out their violent tendencies through them, but because of the successive developments. And also because they’re so wickedly entertaining. With a PPV the stature of the Royal Rumble, one was assured of a healthy dose of chaos, and the show didn’t disappoint. So without further ado, let us view which sequence of savagery topped the podium of pandemonium at the Rumble:

#4 League of Nations and Roman Reigns

Good ‘job’ guys. (Image courtesy of WhatCulture)

This spot finds itself a place on the list more out of deference to the WWE World Heavyweight Championship than anything else. It was difficult to judge which was higher – the ignorance of the whole spot or the pops the beatdown received.

#3 Sasha Banks and Charlotte

Loud and clear, Sasha

The lone Divas contest on the card exceeded expectations, which is a testament to the skills of both women. Add in the wheeling-dealin’, kiss-stealin’, jacket-he-used-to-hoodwink-wearin’ son of a gun and a solid match was the outcome.

Charlotte’s beatdown on Becky was interrupted by a resurgent Sasha Banks, who used the Lasskicker to one-up the champ and then gave little girl Flair a taste of her own medicine. With Banks back, the Divas division just might become a bigger draw than its male counterpart.

#2 Brock Lesnar and the Wyatts

The UFC-inspired Flying Knee was a welcome addition to his arsenal

The main event received a much-needed shot in the arm after the Wyatts made the ring spic-and-span, and did it ever when The Beast stomped his way to the ring. But before we get to that, the prelude deserves a special mention.

The Wyatt brothers worked seamlessly to clear out the ring, especially Harper. The big men were flawless in helping the plot unfold and building it up to the Brock’s grand entry. And the slightly stale Suplex City didn’t deter the audience’s appetite at all. Though we do wonder when it will.

The Wyatts’ revenge was perfunctory to the angle, and the fact that Brock’s inevitable elimination wasn’t too well-received is more of an indicator of the potential of the storyline,especially when one considers that most present were expecting the finish that was.

#1 Dean Ambrose and Kevin Owens

Highlight of the night

They kicked off things on a raucously appropriate note. We couldn’t have hoped for a better opener to the first PPV of the year, and these boys delivered. From the kendo sticks to the chairs and the tables, we’re left spoilt for choice. And the finish? Magnifique!